By Philip Buda Ladu
In a move poised to significantly boost gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare (MGCSW) on Wednesday signed a landmark Output Agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
This agreement initiates the construction of crucial infrastructure under the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP).
The newly formalized agreement sets the stage for the development of the MGCSW’s main headquarters and a vital safe house in the capital city, Juba.
Additionally, two Women’s Economic Community Centres (WECCs) will be established in Wau and Torit.
These facilities are designed to strengthen the Ministry’s operational capacity, enhance the delivery of essential services, and create inclusive environments where women and girls can access vital social and economic empowerment programs.
The SSWSEEP, a collaborative effort between the Government of South Sudan and the World Bank since its initial signing on June 21, 2022, underscores a strong national commitment to advancing gender equity and providing sustainable support for women’s economic and social advancement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Timothy Yobuta, the SSWSEEP Project Manager, emphasized the transformative potential of the agreement.
“This Output Agreement between the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare and UNOPS signifies the commencement of the construction of vital facilities in selected areas. It shows that we are moving towards implementation,” Yobuta stated.
“There will be a strengthened ministry headquarters, a safe house constructed in Juba, and two Women’s Economic Community Centers built in Wau and Torit. These centers will serve as a cornerstone for women’s social entrepreneurial advancement, providing inclusive spaces and resources to foster growth for women and girls in this country.” She added.
Hon. Esther Ikere Eluzai, Undersecretary of the MGCSW, highlighted the historical significance of this step.
“This Output Agreement is a historic milestone in the implementation of this project, particularly for the civil works component managed by UNOPS,” she noted. “As a ministry, we recognize this as a crucial step in fulfilling our mandate to serve the women and girls of South Sudan. The safe house and WECCs will provide essential gender-based violence services and safe spaces, benefiting not just women and girls, but men and boys who are survivors as well.”
Reaffirming UNOPS’ commitment to the project, Buruktawit Metiku Woldegiorgis, UNOPS Service Support Manager, stated that, “UNOPS is committed to working closely with the Ministry to ensure the successful delivery of the infrastructure required under this agreement, helping to establish safe and empowering spaces for women and girls across South Sudan.”
The Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare expressed its profound gratitude to all stakeholders and partners for their ongoing support of the SSWSEEP project.
This agreement signifies a shared dedication to fostering economic inclusion, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring a more promising future for women and girls throughout South Sudan.